Monday, February 24, 2014

Actor, Writer and Director Harold Ramis Dead at 69

We lost another iconic voice in the world of cinema. Harold Ramis passed away early Monday morning, according to Ramis' wife Erica Mann Ramis and Chicago Tribune. Ramis will always be remembered for his directing/writing/acting in cult classics Stripes, Caddyshack, Animal House, Groundhog Day and The Real Ghostbusters. Ramis was 69.

Ramis, a longtime North Shore resident, was surrounded by family when he died at 12:53 a.m. from complications of autoimmune inflammatory vasculitis, a rare disease that involves swelling of the blood vessels, his wife Erica Mann Ramis said. He was 69.

Ramis’ serious health struggles began in May 2010 with an infection that led to complications related to the autoimmune disease, his wife said. Ramis had to relearn to walk but suffered a relapse of the vaculitis in late 2011, said Laurel Ward, vice president of development at Ramis’ Ocean Pictures production company.

Ramis' family, friends, colleagues and fans mourned his passing:

So sorry to hear about the death of Harold Ramis, a comedy master. Ghostbusters, Groundhog Day, and more.— Steve Martin (@SteveMartinToGo) February 24, 2014